Ladder.



GEORGE T. WARREN, SR., OF CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA.

LADDER.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Sept. 21, 1915.

To all w-lz 0m it may concern Be it known that I, Gnoncn T. WARREN,

S12, a citizen of the United States, residing" at Charleston, in the county of Charleston and State of South Carolina, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Ladders, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to step ladders of the propped type, and has for its object to provide improved means for bracing and connecting the sections of the ladder, to provide a firm and rigid structure, and one which can be easily manipulated in the use of the ladder.

A further object is to provide improved means for supporting or holding a pivoted,

shelf in folded position.

In'the accompanying drawing Figure l is a perspective view of the ladder. Fig. 2 is a horizontal section thereof, showing the brace in plan. Fig. 3 is a vertical section showing the manner of supporting the shelf when the ladder is folded.

Referring specifically to the drawing, 6 indicates the steps and 7 the stiles of the main section of the ladder, which may be constructed in any suitable or desired-manner. The rear props or legs 8 are hinged at 9 to the top of the stiles.

For connecting the ladder and the props I provide a folding brace Which comprises two links 10 pivoted at 11 to the inner faces of the stiles, and pivoted at 12 to the side bars 13 of a. U shaped frame or bar; said side bars being connected by a cross bar 14, the links being located on the'outer sides of said bars 13. Each of said bars is also provided with a curved or hooked flange 15 which form stops for the links 10, by engaging and embracing the same when the brace is unfolded or straightened. The ends of the U shaped brace are pivoted at 16 to the props 8, and the props are also connected and strengthened by a cross brace 17 the ends of which are fastened to the props by the pivot bolts 16. The props are also braced and strengthened by a lower cross bar 18,

a cross rod 19 and two angular bars 20.

'bar 14: of the brace engages the depending legs 23 and holds the shelf in upright or folded position between the props.

The manner of'constructi'ng the brace, with the U shaped bar, enables the brace to be readily folded o1 straightened, as the cross piece 11 can be grasped to break or fold the brace, or to straighten the same. Furthermore, this cross bar gives a desirable rigidity to the brace, and enables both sides thereof to be manipulated or folded simultaneously, and by one hand. When the brace is straightened the cross bar extends between the opposite sides or members thereof, and holds said members in proper position.

By the construction described a strong and durable step ladder is produced, and one capable of being readily folded or unfolded when in use. And when the ladder is folded the-U shaped brace rests firmly and closely between the props 8, which protect the same.

' I claim:

' The combination with a laddergand props hinged thereto. of a shelfpivoted between the props, and. a folding brace connecting the ladder and props, one-mcmber of the brace having a cross bar arranged to strike the lower end of the shelf and hold the same upright when in folded position.

In testimony whereof, I aiiix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

Copies of this patent may he obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents,

Washington, D. 0." 

